Medications may be provided such as antibiotics for STI prevention,
hormones for pregnancy prophylaxis, or pain medicine as needed.

FNE will need to ask you several questions to understand how best to
care for you. They will ask questions about your medical history, the
sexual assault and what happened to you, and your current well-being to
assess emotional and medical needs.

FNE will ensure your readiness for discharge. Your safety is our
concern – you will not be discharged to an unsafe environment. The ED
has 24/7 capability to ensure your mental health needs can be managed.
In addition, the FNE or patient advocate will provide community
resources for support services.

Why should a Forensic Medical Exam be performed by a Forensic Nurse
Examiner (FNE)?

FNEs have extensive forensic training to care for those who have been
sexually assaulted:

Forensic Nurse Examiners are certified through the Maryland Board
of Nursing

FNEs use best practice techniques to collect and preserve forensic
evidence

FNEs are can provide expert testimony in a courtroom if necessary

FNEs provide trauma-informed care throughout entire process:

Your care will be conducted in a respectful and confidential manner

FNEs provide one-on-one care when called in to perform a forensic medical
examination

FNEs have superior knowledge in community resources and victim
support services

FNEs understand it is your choice to have this exam:

FNE will allow you to control how fast the exam is happening

You can stop or pause or take a break from the exam at any time

It is your body and therefore, your choice – we will respect your
wishes

How long after the assault can I wait to come in for evidence
collection?

12 years or younger – Evidence collection up to 72 hours after the
assault or abuse

13 years or older – Evidence collection up to 120 hours after the
assault or abuse

Will I get a billed for the exam?

Maybe. The State of Maryland provides grant funds to help pay for the
Forensic Medical Examinations, and most of the time the exam will be
completely free to the victim. When there is medical care provided that
is beyond the Forensic Medical Examination and Evidence Collection then
the patient or their insurance may be billed for these costs.

Do I have to talk to police? (Note: Exception regarding children as
noted below)

NO, you do not need to report the assault to police in order to have an
exam:

A confidential Forensic Medical Exam and Evidence Collection can
still be done.

It is called a “Delayed” or “Jane Doe” or “Restricted” or
“Anonymous” Report.

The Forensic Evidence kit will not be tested until you decide to
report to police.

The Forensic Evidence kit will be stored for at least 18 months at
the crime lab.

This allows you time to rest and seek support before making a
decision to report.

Yes, police and child protective services will be contacted if the
victim is a under the age of 18 years and the reported assault or abuse
states the maltreator as:

the child’s parent or caregiver,

a family or household member, or

having temporary care or custody of the child at the time of abuse

What is sexual assault or abuse?

Sexual assault is defined as any type of sexual touch that you do not
agree to. Child sexual assault or abuse can be described as any time a
child is engaged in a sexual situation or sexual activity with an older
person. For more information about types of sexual assault, abuse or
violence, please visit
www.rainn.org/types-sexual-violence
.

What if I suspect my child has been sexually abused?

If your child tells you they have been sexually abused or assaulted:

Remain calm.

Reassure your child that you believe them.

Ensure your child that they are not to blame.

Don’t interrogate them for more answers – let the professionals do
the questioning.

If the reported abuse/assault occurred less than 72 hours ago, contact
the UM BWMC Emergency Department at 410-787-4565. They can direct you
how to get your child examined.

If the reported abuse/assault occurred more than 72 hours ago, or are
unsure of when it may have occurred, call the Anne Arundel County Child
Advocacy Center at 410-421-8571. They can direct you how to get your
child examined.